July 21, 2006

LANSING.Thirty Michigan high school students will report to the Michigan State Police (MSP) Training Academy in Lansing on Sunday to live the life of an MSP trooper recruit. The students will reside at the Academy until Saturday as part of the 31st annual American Legion Student Trooper Program.

Just like an actual MSP Trooper Recruit School, between wake-up at 5 a.m. and lights-out at 10 p.m., the students will learn about traffic and criminal law, defensive tactics, firearms and marksmanship fundamentals, first-aid, water safety, patrol tactics, crash investigations, law enforcement career opportunities, forensic science, conservation law, narcotics and underwater recovery.

“These students will leave this school with a better understanding of law enforcement and life skills that will help them reach their goals, whether that be a career in law enforcement or a related field,” said Captain Gene Hoekwater, commander of the MSP Training Division.

The week-long program is conducted by MSP officers with assistance from deputies and local police officers. The school is designed for highly motivated young men and women who are seriously interested in a career in law enforcement. In order to attend, each student is responsible for securing his/her own sponsorship from one of the American Legion offices located throughout the state.

Students accepted to the 31st American Legion Student Trooper Program include:

SPECIAL NOTE: Hometown media representatives wishing to spend a day with a student from their coverage area may do so by contacting Ms. Nancy Shaffer at (517) 322-6319.